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Cheap Ways To Boost Your Creativity Now

You do not have to be as smart as Einstein or as rich as Gates to think creatively. With these few tricks up your sleeve, you can show your own creative side in no time:

1. READ A BOOK OR TWO

If you are fishing in an unfamiliar territory, it is advisable to educate yourself. Do this by reading a book or two about creativity or creative thinking. Try Austin Kleon’s modern take on creativity. With his visually pleasing illustrations and simple vocabulary, you will surely understand what he wants to convey in his books entitled “STEAL LIKE AN ARTIST: 10 THINGS NOBODY TOLD YOU ABOUT BEING CREATIVE” and “SHOW YOUR WORK!: 10 THINGS NOBODY TOLD YOU ABOUT GETTING DISCOVERED”. Both books are available at Popular Bookstore for as low as S$20.87.

2. HAVE YOUR OWN CREATIVE SPACE

Assign a place where you can freely create. This does not have to be a fancy space. A tiny corner with art materials, CDs, or a laptop will do. It is important that you decorate this space yourself.

Image Credits: Karen Cox via Flickr with Creative Commons License

3. PAINT THE ROOM BLUE OR GREEN

Color Psychology dictates that colors can help enhance our cognitive tasks such as concentrating and creative thinking. So, paint your room with the colors of our home planet – blue and green!

Blue has physically and mentally calming effects that will help you open your thoughts. On the other hand, green signifies growth and harmony. Putting these colors together shall stimulate your creativity even more.

4. ENVISION THE PROBLEM DIFFERENTLY

In the “Candle Problem” presented by psychologist Karl Duncker, participants were given a candle, a box of thumbtacks, and a book of matches. They were asked to affix a lit candle to the wall without having a single drop of wax on the table below. There are a couple of possible solutions yet, only one will work (know the solution, here).

To arrive at the answer, you must envision the problem differently. Do not limit the function of these said objects too. Relax and examine the problem in varied ways before you begin working.

5. EXERCISE

Previous literature has shown that exercise increases creative thinking due to its ability to pump up the heart and put people in a positive mood. So, when you are having a writer’s block, try to run a few blocks, it may help you have a long-awaited “Eureka!” moment. Jog outdoors, it’s free anyway.

6. ACTIVATE YOUR SENSES

Last but not the least is to activate your senses. You can explore the local libraries, museums, gardens, and zoos. Tickets to these places range from S$0-32. But, that is a small price to pay to enrich your imagination.

Now, if you are still looking for a no-cost way to activate your senses, you can listen to Mozart. According to a book entitled: “The Mozart Effect,” listening to classical music specifically by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart can increase concentration, creativity, and other cognitive functions. His music repertoire is available for free on YouTube.

Sources: 1 & 2

5 Ways To Take Charge And Save Money On Technology

Living in the 21st century where technology is a quintessential part of our lives, it is hard to find someone without a mobile phone. There is no doubt in my mind that technology improved our lives, making it easier and faster to communicate, shop, develop, search, and so much more.

Even though it is dependable, technology can cost a lot! Your wallet can empty as quickly as your battery empties. Luckily for you, there are ways to avoid excessive spending on technology…

1. NEEDS BEFORE WANTS

Do you really need an expensive action camera just to take great selfies? Or how about a state-of-the-art computer set-up just to browse the Internet? There is no point on spending on the most expensive gadgets and accessories if you will not maximize its use. So, the first step you must take is to evaluate your needs and understand how the device works. During this process, you have to be honest with yourself.

2. SELL YOUR OLD DEVICES OR EQUIPMENTS

If there is a growing desire to upgrade to the latest technology then, try selling your devices or equipments. This will give you little to enough money to help purchase the new device you have been eyeing on. eBay, Gumtree, and Carousell are just some platforms where you can find some interested buyers.

Image Credits: epSos .de via Flickr with Creative Commons license

3. PURCHASE ONLINE

Aside from getting rid of your old devices or equipments online, you may also get a great deal there (i.e., whether it is through a wholesaler or an online coupon). You can compare the prices of the online shops to what is available on the physical shops, only to find that most of the times, online shops offer the cheaper prices. Furthermore, you just saved on the costs of transportation you would have paid if you went to the stores.

4. GET CREATIVE

Although the variety of the homemade accessories you can make are thin, it does not hurt to give it a chance. You are still saving money anyway. For instance, you may use a white top sheet as a diffuser, a white wall to bounce light from a flash, and a Styrofoam board as a reflector. All it takes is your imagination and creativity.

5. LOOK FOR ALTERNATIVES

Just because a renowned company announced a huge product launch does not mean that you have to buy it. If your technology basket is already sufficient then, there is no need to buy a new one. Also, if the new product does not satisfy your budget then, you do not have to buy it now. Pretty soon, the prices of this thing will drop, just be patient.

But, if you are really in need of a specific gadget immediately, say an action camera like GoPro (US$340/S$455), consider getting a cheaper alternative such as the HTC Re (US$159/S$213), the Polaroid XS100i HD (US$129/S$173), or the Sony HDR-AS20/B (US$149/S$199).

Sources: 1 & 2

Avoid Impulse Buys And Save More Money Shopping This GSS

We had all been victims of impulsive purchase/s. And, this Great Singapore Sale (GSS) period where most shops have over 70% off, your power to resist may be tested! The good news is that, you can strengthen your power by following this simple ways:

1. NOTE DOWN A LIST

The oldest trick in the bag can just be the one that saves you! Making a list of the necessary gifts you to buy along with the names of the people you are wishing to give it to can help you avoid the temptation of overwhelming discounts. If you want, you can also dictate a budget per person (e.g., S$10 for a co-worker). No matter what, stick to this list.

2. SCORE GOOD DEALS BY SHOPPING ONLINE

To prevent the enticing visual stimulations, you can skip the malls all together and just shop online. By shopping online, you can not only compare price but also avoid the long queue. Who likes squeezing their way to the crowds anyway?

To get you started with your GSS shopping, here are the premier Singapore online shops you can browse: Lazada, Qoo10, and Zalora. Use coupon codes if applicable.

3. DO YOUR RESEARCH

As the glistening crimson sign of “GSS SALE” is parading across the country, it is good to do your research first before heading to the malls. This research requires you to browse the promotions of various shops and malls before you leave the house.

To get a comprehensive list of what is on sale, you may check out the Great Singapore Sale website at Greatsingaporesale.com.sg or browse the array of deals at Moneydigest.sg/category/deals.

4. PAY CASH

Having to pay with the money you already have is a wise decision that is accepted by most. Unless your credit card is rewarding you extra for shopping this GSS, you must shy away from it. A wallet full of your intended spending will force you to stay within the budget and prevent unnecessary buys.

5. BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF

Before buying anything, ask yourself several questions to help you evaluate if an item is worthy or not. Ask question such as: “Does the item simplify my life?” , “Am I going to feel better months after I buy this?”, or “Do I really need this?”. Be honest as honest with yourself as possible.

6. KNOW YOUR TRIGGERS

You must understand what brings about or triggers your impulse purchases. For instance, if your trigger is fragrant scents scattered in the malls then, shop online instead.

Image Credits: Giuseppe Milo via Flickr

Also, it takes no Jedi mind trick to tell that shopping on an empty stomach will make you tempted for more snacks. So, be sure to shop on a satiated state during the Great Singapore Sale! 🙂

Exciting Ways To Spend Your S$20 In Singapore

Is it possible to have a fun-filled afternoon with just S$20? The answer is YES! From water amusement to taking the leap of faith, here are the Exciting Ways To Spend Your S$20 In Singapore…

1. DISCOVER A HERITAGE

Travel to Chinatown (for about S$4) and discover the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum then, spend the remainder of your money by eating at the Yummy Viet Restaurant.

Discover a rich heritage to gain a strong understanding of the Buddhist ways at the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple And Museum (BTRTM). BTRTM has more than 300,000 visitors every month. The admission is free but you have to pay follow the rules before entering the Temple. The rules include wearing decent attire and not bringing pets or non-vegetarian food inside.

After the BTRTM trip, indulge your taste buds in healthy yet tasty Vietnamese food at the Yummy Viet Restaurant. Yummy Viet’s prices are affordable and reasonable. For example, the Chicken Rice Noodle costs S$7.50, the Beef Balls Noodle S$8.90, and the Deep Fried Chicken with Fried Rice costs S$7.90.

2. TAKE THE LEAP OF FAITH

If you happen to be in Sentosa, you can try the “ParaJump” attraction including the Jungle Ride for S$19. ParaJump replicates a free-fall parachute jump through its safety harness and experienced staff. I have to admit…I am fearful of heights but after trying this, I felt a surge of fulfillment and happiness. Beyond the fear, the experience was thrilling.

Image Credits: instagram.com/agoncilloanna

3. HOG ALL THE BOOKS FOR S$20

Take all the books you can and pay only S$20! To participate in this BIG BOX SALE by Marshall Cavendish, you must fill up a carton with as many books you want. Categories include cookbooks, travel books, children books, entrepreneurship books, fiction books, and history books. Visit here to know more.

4. WATER AMUSEMENT

One of Singapore’s largest water theme parks called “Wild Wild Wet“ offers exhilarating rides at inexpensive prices. From Monday to Friday, adults get to pay S$20 for the admission while children and senior citizens get to pay S$14 only. Toddlers are free to swim all year round!

The rides include braving the rapids with Ular-Lah, making your way to wacky curves and crazy turns at The Waterworks, and so much more. The best thing is that on May 26, you get to enjoy 50% off the entry tickets.

4 Budget-Friendly Ways To Show Your Love For Football Or Soccer

This article is dedicated to the hardcore fans of the entertaining and vigorous sport where you kick the ball by foot to score a goal. In Singapore, this sport is either called Football or Soccer while in other parts of the world such as United States and Canada…you call it Soccer.

Nonetheless, here are the 4 budget-friendly ways to show your love for the coveted sport:

1. WATCH WHILE ENJOYING A DRINK

Watch the World Cup game with a drink from Brewerkz. Brewerkz, Singapore’s first microbrewery restaurant, serves handcrafted beers to suit every palate. Their mock-tails and other non-alcoholic drinks cost about S$6-9. While, the alcoholic drinks (i.e., excluding the handcrafted beers) cost about S$11-26. Game starts at 7:30 pm so, get in the restaurant early to secure a good spot across the 10 flat screen TVs.

Location: 301 Merchant Rd, Riverside Point, Singapore 058282

2. BUY THE BALL OR BE THE BALL

Bubble Bump Singapore offers bubble games where players wear inflatable balls in an attempt to win in a Soccer match. Each suit are harnessed and equipped to make sure your fall will be relatively painless. One session will surely bring all the players loads of laughter as you start the full-on bouncing action just to score a goal. The Bubble games can be enjoyed by a group of friends, colleagues, and families. A casual fun game including 10 bubble suits, 2 facilitator, equipments, and photography starts with S$15/pax (i.e., 20 people). For more information, visit: bubblebump.sg.

Alternatively, you can play at home by purchasing a ball at Toys R Us (S$14.95) or at Decathlon (S$8.90).

3. SUPPORT THE SINGAPORE’S S.LEAGUE LIVE

Nothing beats a live game action alongside the other fans! You can catch the S.League games live at the Kallang National Stadium, Jurong East Stadium, Choa Chu Kang Stadium, Jurong West Stadium, and Jalan Besar Stadium. The S. League games start from July 20 at 7:30 pm while, the Singapore Cup starts on May 22 at 7:30 pm.

Ticket prices range from S$1-6 depending on your age and the venue. For more information, visit: sleague.com.

4. TRAIN YOUR KID TO BE THE NEXT BECKHAM

Translate your love of Soccer or Football to your child by enrolling him or her in fun yet guided lessons. For the young tots of 18 months to 6 years old, you may purchase a GROUPON for 2 lessons (S$23) at TinyTots. For the children aged 4 to 14, you may purchase a GROUPON for 2 lessons (S$19) at 2Touch Soccer School.

I bid you adieu with this famed chant: Olé, Olé, Olé!

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